Basketball Training Device

ABSTRACT

An improved basketball training device comprising a substantially semi-elliptical U-shaped rim device, which is designed to allow a user to safely and rapidly install or remove the device from an existing standard sized rim that is attached to a backboard of a raised basketball goal. The training device compels players to use proper arch when shooting in order to pass the basketball through the goal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a basketball training device adapted tobe releasably secured to a standard sized rim of a basketball goal in asafe and efficient manner without the need for tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable that basketball players develop a high degree ofaccuracy in shooting the ball from various locations on the court, suchthat the ball will pass directly into the basket. This is particularlytrue with regard to free throw shots. Many players have good skills inmaking shots using the backboard, such as lay-up shots, yet they canhave considerable difficulty in making shots from the free throw line,or from an angle where the backboard cannot be used to bank a shot. Assuch, it is desirable for players to develop the ability to make shotswith the proper arch such that the basketball passes directly throughthe goal without connecting with either the backboard or the rim of thegoal. This is known in the vernacular as a “swish” shot.

There are numerous inventions designed to help player's improve aim inthe game of basketball. As with this invention, many are to be used incombination with a standard basketball goal. However, none of theinventions known to this applicant contain the same features forachieving this desired end as the present invention.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,364,092 and 5,823,896 both describe devices thatdecrease the diameter of a basketball rim so that making a basketballshot is more difficult. However, the devices are not directed toteaching a player to use proper arch when shooting. Other types ofimprovement devices include additional hoops through which thebasketball must travel before it travels through the basketball rim.Such a device is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,323. These devices areonly effective in allowing a user to shoot a goal from a restrictednumber of angles.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,342,486 and 6,932,723 decrease a user's reliance on theuse of a backboard, but they both require tools to attach and remove thetraining aid from the rim.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,551, decreases a player's use of thebackboard, and promotes proper arch when shooting. However, it isattached to the backboard by means of suction cups, which are known tobe unreliable in securely supporting such a device. Suction cups requirea surface completely free of dust and residue to remain attached.Moreover, a vigorously shot basketball can cause the unsupported deviceto be knocked loose from the backboard. Thereby requiring a user toreattach the device frequently during use. Further, this method ofattachment presents a safety hazard as it requires the user to attemptto secure the device to a backboard by pushing the device while standingon a ladder or other surface, at a dangerous elevation. Accordingly,this device requires additional tethering means to prevent the inventionfrom falling to the ground when the gripping means unexpectedlydisengage from the front surface of the backboard.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives andrequirements, the need remains for a device that can be releasablysecured to a standard sized rim of a basketball goal in a safe andefficient manner without the need for tools, which can increase theaccuracy of a player by training said player to impart proper loft andtrajectory when shooting a basketball. The desired device also will belightweight, easily storable, constructed of reliable materials, andeconomic to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types oftraining aids now present in the prior art, the present inventionprovides a new basketball training device comprising an ellipticalbarrier over which a basketball shot must be shot in order to passthrough the basketball goal. The basketball training device is intendedfor secure attachment to a conventional basketball goal with a circularrim mounted to the front surface of a basketball backboard. The deviceis designed so that it can be releasably attached and subsequentlyremoved from a basketball goal in a safe and efficient manner withoutthe need for tools. Moreover, this device requires no additional supportattachments or tethering devices.

In one embodiment, the basketball training device comprises a barrierhaving a first end and a second end, and being formed into asubstantially semi-elliptical U-shape with an interior side and anexterior side. The barrier has a plurality of brackets attached to thebottom edge of the barrier for positioning the barrier member onto thetop of the rim. A plurality of gripping means are affixed to the barrierin line with the brackets for selectively securing the barrier membersecurely to the rim such that the barrier member extends upwardly withthe majority of the barrier member rising above the rim. The grippingmeans may be toollessly released from said rim surface of the basketballgoal in order to remove the basketball training device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thatfollows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form the subject matter of the claims.

The objects of the invention, along with the various features ofnovelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out withparticularity in the claims forming a part of this disclosure.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

One of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide abasketball training device that fits onto an existing standard sizedbasketball rim in order to teach a player to shoot a basketball usingproper arch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an oversizedbasketball rim device that be safely and easily attached to and removedfrom an existing standard sized basketball rim with the aid of tools.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a basketballtraining device that can be securely attached to a basketball goalwithout the possibility that it could be dislodged during use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a basketballtraining device that needs no height adjustment or complex set up forproper use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a sturdy, long lastingbasketball training device with sufficient strength to withstand theforces imparted on it.

Another object of this invention is to provide a basketball trainingdevice that can be manufactured easily and economically.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a basketballtraining device that has a minimum amount of parts that can wear out orbe damaged, such that it substantially maintenance free.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a basketballtraining device that is easy to use and can be easily assembled ordisassembled for compact storage when not in use.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from a reading of the attached specification andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a basketball training device mounted onto astandard sized basketball rim according to one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a basketball training devicemounted onto a standard sized basketball rim according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an overhead view of a basketball training device mounted ontoa standard sized basketball rim according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown on the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate thesame part or area of a part throughout the several views thereof, thereis shown in FIG. 1 the present invention, a basketball practice deviceindicated generally by the reference numeral 10, which is supported fromand above a standard annular basketball rim 5. Rim 5 is affixed to anangular bracket 6 that is secured to a standard basketball goalbackboard using bolts or other means.

Basketball practice device 10 includes a barrier 20 that is generally ofa U-shape with two end portions 24, and an arcuate portion 22, whichforms the bight of the U. Barrier 20 radius is slightly greater than theradius of rim 5 with a result that the curved portion 22 lies laterallybeyond the exterior of said rim. Barrier 20 may be made of any suitablematerial, such as high-impact polymer composite, nylon, fiberglass, anextrudable material, such that it is flexible, lightweight, and durable.The edges of end portions 24 can remain sharp when cut duringmanufacturing. Accordingly, end guards 26 are affixed to surround theedges of said end portions 24 to protect a user of said practice device10 from potential injury from the edges of said end portions 24. Endguards 26 also serve the dual purpose of protecting a basketball goalbackboard from scratches or other damage from the edges of said endportions 24. End guards 26 may be made of any suitable material, such asrubber, plastic, high-impact polymer composite, fiberglass, and thelike, so that it is protects the user and backboard from said endportions 24.

Basketball practice device 10 is supported from and above a standardannular basketball rim 5 by suspension means 30. Suspension means 30 areaffixed through connection means 35 to the interior side of said barrier20. Suspension means 30 are generally of an inverted J-shape such thatthey can hook onto the surface of rim 5. Suspension means 30 may be madeof any rigid material, such as rubber coated metal, plastic, high-impactpolymer composite, fiberglass and the like, such that they can retaintheir shape when supporting basketball practice device 10.

In general, the requirements for the construction of connection means 35are well known and are not discussed in great detail herein. Briefly, inthe preferred embodiment, connection means 35 consist of an exteriorportion, such as a common screw, which passes through both barrier 20and suspension means 30 and is then threadingly received by a standardnut. Alternatively, connection means 30 can be any other method,including welding, gluing, bonding, or the like, for rigidly securingsuspension means 30 to the interior of barrier 20.

Suspension means 30 collectively provide support sufficient to maintainthe majority of barrier 20 above and substantially parallel to rim 5,thereby causing the upper surface of barrier 20 to be positioned above atop surface of rim 5 and outside a front edge of rim 5 as illustrated inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Correspondingly, suspension means 30 are affixed tosaid barrier 20 so that an imaginary line drawn between the uppermostportion of each suspension means 30 is substantially parallel to thehorizontal plane of basketball goal 5. Suspension means 30 arepositioned on said barrier 20 so that the uppermost portion of barrier20 prevents a player from shooting a shot into the basket from any anglewithout proper trajectory. Rather, the player must shoot the basketballat a high arching angle of flight so that it will pass over theuppermost portion of barrier 20 and then downwardly through rim 5.

Extension bar 50 is generally of a cylindrical shape with two endportions, each containing a hole (not specifically shown) located nearsaid end portions that pass its diameter. When basketball device 10 isproperly assembled, extension bar 50 passes through the end portions ofbarrier 20 and is held in place thereof, by the combination of retainingcap 55 and retaining pin 60. Retaining cap 55 has an interior diametersized to fit the exterior diameter of extension bar 50, and a hole 56passing through both sides of said retaining cap. When retaining cap 55is properly inserted onto the end of said extension bar, retaining caphole 56 aligns with the extension bar hole, so that retaining pin 60 maythen be inserted simultaneously through retaining cap 55 and extensionbar 50, thereby securing extension bar 50 in a fixed position inrelation to barrier 20. Extension bar 50 is sized such that when itpasses through barrier 20 and is secured by retaining cap 55 andretaining pin 60, it causes barrier 20 to maintain the desired U-Shape,such that end portions 24 are parallel to one another. Extension bar 50provides additional support for the device through its contact withbracket 6. Extension bar 50 may be made of any material, such as rubber,plastic, high-impact polymer composite, fiberglass and the like, suchthat it can retain its cylindrical shape when supporting basketballpractice device 10. Further, said extension bar 50 may be made usingeither a solid or hollow cylindrical object such as a length of PVCpipe.

It can be readily observed that in its desired configuration basketballpractice device 10 is of a slightly larger size and diameter than astandard basketball ring 5, which provides the foundation for the entirepractice device. Once basketball practice device 10 is placed on rim 5and is retained thereof by extension bar 50 and suspension means 30, thedevice is secured to said rim 5 by attachment means 40. Attachment means40 are preferably toollessly releasable. In other words, attachmentmeans 40 may be rapidly installed or released from rim 5 without the aidof any tools. Accordingly, basketball practice device 10 may be securedor removed from a standard basketball rim 5 simply and easily. As thisfeat must generally be performed while standing on a latter, the lack oftools or complicated attachment mechanisms substantially increases thesafety of the present device. In the preferred embodiment, attachmentmeans 40 consist of an attachment device commonly referred to as a balltie. Ball ties are generally made of one or more strands of an elasticmaterial, usually rubber, bound together by a fabric covering into asingly flexible strand, which is then formed into a loop with both endssecured to a plastic ball. In this embodiment, the loop of said ball tie40 extends through the exterior side 21 of barrier 20, it then coilsaround rim 5 and then return through interior side 23 of said barrier toemerge on exterior side 21. The ball rests against exterior side 21 ofbarrier 20 and the loop wraps around and over the ball. The elasticnature of ball tie provides constant tension to hold basketball practicedevice 10 securely to rim 5.

The invention has been shown, described and illustrated in substantialdetail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will beunderstood by those skilled in this art that other and further changesand modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. A basketball training device, comprising: (a) A generally U-shapedelliptical barrier, having an interior side and an exterior side, andalso having a first end and a second end; said barrier having a sizeslightly greater than the exterior radius of a rim of a basketball goal;(b) a plurality of suspension means fastened to the interior side ofsaid barrier for suspending said training device from said rim; (c) aplurality of removable attachment means for releasably attaching saidtraining device to said rim; and (d) brace means extending between andreleasably attached to said first barrier end and said second barrierend; said brace means retain said barrier in its U-shape and buttresssaid barrier in a horizontal plane resting above said rim; wherein saidbarrier is removably attached to said rim by aligning said barrier suchthat said suspension means align with the top of said rim and then byextending said attachment means around said rim.
 2. The basketballtraining device of claim 1, wherein said suspension means described inclaim 1 (b) includes a predetermined plurality of hook members, whereineach hook member has an inverted J-shape.
 3. The basketball trainingdevice of claim 2, wherein said attachment means described in claim 1(c) includes a predetermined plurality of ball ties.
 4. The basketballtraining device of claim 1, wherein said first and second barrier endsas described in claim 1 (a) include end guards, said end guards servethe purpose of protecting said basketball goal or a user from scratchesor other damage from the edges of said first and second ends of saidbarrier.
 5. The basketball training device of claim 1, wherein saidbrace means as described in claim 1 (d) further includes exteriorretaining caps connected to the outer edges of said brace means, saidretaining caps retains said barrier in the desired U-shape during use.6. A basketball training device, comprising: (a) a generally U-shapedelliptical barrier, having an interior side and an exterior side, andalso having a first end and a second end; said barrier having a sizeslightly greater than the exterior radius of a rim of a basketball goal;(b) end guards attached to said first and second barrier ends, said endguards serve the purpose of protecting said basketball goal or a userfrom scratches or other damage from the edges of said first and secondends of said barrier; (c) a predetermined plurality of inverted J-shapedhook members fastened to the interior side of said barrier forsuspending said training device from said rim; (d) a plurality of ballties for releasably attaching said training device to said rim; (e)cylindrical brace means extending between and releasably attached tosaid first barrier end and said second barrier end; said brace meansretain said barrier in its U-shape and buttress said barrier in ahorizontal plane resting above said rim; and (f) exterior retaining capsconnected to the outer edges of said cylindrical brace means, saidretaining caps retains said barrier in the desired U-shape during use;wherein said barrier is removably attached to said rim by aligning saidbarrier such that said hook members align with and rest on top of saidrim and then by extending said ball ties around said rim then securingsaid ball tie.
 7. The basketball training device of claim 6, whereinsaid suspension means described in claim 6 (b) includes four hookmembers.
 8. The basketball training device of claim 6, wherein said ballties described in claim 6 (c) includes three ball ties.